When it became clear that I’d have to move by the end of the month, I knew the only way I could do it would be with help from my folks. I talk to them almost everyday, so they knew that my living situation was deteriorating. When I decided I had to move, I asked if they would be able to help. They said: “Yes.” And we left it at that. But now it’s time to name a number and ask for a transfer.

Unlike so many other times they’ve helped me, however, this will be a loan (I suppose the other times have been called loans but I haven’t paid back anything). This one I will start paying back immediately. (They are more skeptical about my abilities to do this than I am, but even if I just pay them $20 back a month, it’d feel good to do that.) So my 1 thing to do: In clear, adult language say: “I need to borrow $2,000. Can you transfer it into my account?”